Can’t decide on where to stay when in town to catch a Steeler’s game? Curb your worries because there are affordable options all around the city. You won’t have to limit your options to areas close to Heinz Field, thanks to a decent public transportation system that links the stadium to major parts of the city. Uber and Lyft car services are also available for those staying outside the city center. For cheaper options, look into Airbnb listings on the East End-North and East End-South areas or the affordable chain hotels on the North Shore.

Cheaper Alternatives to Hotels

If you are looking for nontraditional lodging, Airbnb has several listings perfect for someone on a tight budget. Most of them are private rooms in Bloomfield and Shadyside districts. The nightly rates vary per district but average around $75 including added fees. Most listings have last-minute availability, but the most popular ones need at least two weeks notice. The Bloomfield and Shadyside neighborhoods are known for their artistic flair, with colorful Victorian houses, cafes, and locally owned restaurants along its main streets. The public commute to Heinz Field from these parts of town takes about 40 minutes.

Family Friendly Budget Chains

The North Shore and Downtown districts are full of well-known budget chains suitable for families such as the Residence Inn Pittsburgh North Shore, SpringHill Suites Pittsburgh North Shore, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Suites Pittsburgh Downtown. Weekend prices for a king studio room average around $169 plus taxes and fees, while weekday rates average around $199 exclusive of taxes. All of these hotels are within a two-mile radius of Heinz Field and conveniently located near public transport stations, restaurants, and other attractions in Pittsburgh.

Penny Pincher Hotel Options

Despite the city’s lack of hostels and motels, Pittsburgh still has a number of cheap hotel options located north, east, and west of the city center. The Holiday Inn Express Pittsburgh West is located just five miles west of Heinz Field and has nightly rates 40% cheaper than North Shore hotels. Friendship Suites to the east is an apartment-style accommodation that offers a full kitchen, private bath, and free Wi-Fi starting at $135 per night. Comfort Inn Pittsburgh on McKnight Road is an affordable option to the north that throws in a free breakfast for only $108 a night.

Location, Location, Location

For those wanting to stay as close as possible to the action, your best bet will be to book a hotel on the North Shore. Choose from the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh, Hyatt Place Pittsburgh-North Shore, and the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, among others. Nightly rates for standard rooms at these hotels start at $149 plus taxes and fees on game days. All of the hotels in this part of town are within walking distance of the stadium but public transport is also available nearby.

Beyond Football

Though Heinz Field’s primary function is to serve as the home stadium of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers football teams, the stadium also hosts other events including a wine festival, musical concerts, and even American Idol auditions.

Pittsburgh offers a traveler looking to catch a football game at Heinz Field plenty of budget lodging options to choose from. Whether you choose a cheap, private room listing through Airbnb or an affordable hotel chain option within walking distance of the stadium itself, visitors will find it easy to decide on accommodations that'll suit their needs and their budget.